respiratory terminology key

Sinus

An air-filled cavity within the skull that helps warm, humidify, and filter inhaled air.

Turbinate

A thin, scroll-like bone in the nasal cavity that increases surface area to warm, humidify, and filter air.

Cyst

A closed sac filled with fluid, air, or semi-solid material.

Rhinitis

Inflammation of the lining of the nasal cavity.

Focal pneumonia

Pneumonia affecting a small, localized area of the lung.

Lobular pneumonia

Pneumonia affecting multiple lobules of the lung, often centered around the bronchioles.

Lobar pneumonia

Pneumonia affecting an entire lobe of the lung.

Diffuse or interstitial pneumonia

Widespread inflammation of the lung interstitium (supporting tissue) rather than the airways or alveoli.

Bronchiectasis

Permanent widening and damage of the bronchi due to chronic inflammation or infection.

Bronchiolitis obliterans

Inflammation and scarring of the bronchioles that causes narrowing or blockage of the airways.

Pleuritis

Inflammation of the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs.

Empyema

Accumulation of pus within the pleural cavity.

Hydrothorax

Accumulation of non-inflammatory fluid within the pleural cavity.

Chylothorax

Accumulation of lymphatic fluid (chyle) within the pleural cavity.

Pneumothorax

Accumulation of air within the pleural cavity, causing partial or complete lung collapse.

Tachypnea

Abnormally rapid breathing.

Respiratory distress

Difficulty breathing due to inadequate oxygenation or ventilation.

Dyspnea

Difficult or labored breathing.

Orthopnea

A severe form of respiratory distress where an animal can only breathe comfortably or adequately while maintaining a specific upright posture

Orthopneic position

a distinct, involuntary posture assumed during severe respiratory distress where an animal stands, sits, or crouches with its head and neck extended, elbows abducted, and back rigid to straighten the airway and maximize lung expansion.

Apnea

Temporary cessation of breathing.

Hemoptysis

Coughing up blood originating from the lower respiratory tract.

Epistaxis

Bleeding from the nose.

Serous discharge

A clear, watery fluid produced during mild inflammation.

Catarrhal discharge

A mucus-rich discharge produced by inflamed mucous membranes.

Hypercapnia

Abnormally high levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood.

Hypocapnia

Abnormally low levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood.

Hypoxia

Inadequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues.

Crackles or rales

Abnormal popping or crackling lung sounds caused by fluid or collapsed airways reopening during inspiration.

Wheezes

High-pitched, musical breathing sounds caused by narrowed airways.

Stertor

A low-pitched, snoring-like sound caused by obstruction of the nose or upper airway.

Stridor

A high-pitched, harsh sound caused by obstruction of the larynx or upper trachea.